Faith, family, and country were guiding lights for Richard W. “Dick” Ruppel, 94, of Cumberland, Wisconsin, who was called home to his Lord on November 5, 2020, in Altoona, WI.

Dick was born on February 14, 1926, in Sheboygan, WI, to David and Emilie Ruppel. He was the third of eight siblings. On June 25, 1949, he was married to Lois Griffith Ruppel.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in WWII as a tail gunner on a B29 bomber. He returned to earn a law degree from the University of Wisconsin, where he met Lois. After their honeymoon in the Chetek area, they moved to Cumberland, where they started a family of seven children. Dick practiced with Dan D’Amico before establishing his private law practice. He ran for Barron County public defender. In 1960, he founded Ardisam, Inc. as a partner and then later operated it as a sole proprietor until selling to his sons in 1991. The business was successful and continues to operate today.

Dick also developed the Rutabaga Queen Pageant and was Master of Ceremonies for the event in its early years. Many remember the rhyming clues he wrote for the “Golden Baga” hunt that guided and entertained hundreds of residents searching for the valuable faux vegetable. He was a devout and active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and sang in the choir. He chaired the building committee for the current church building and was president of the congregation. His connection with “Sheboygan bratwurst” helped him devise St. Paul’s food stand for the Rutabaga Festival.

After his retirement, Dick and Lois wintered for more than 20 years in Sebring, FL, where they shared life with new and old friends. He and Lois attended Covenant Presbyterian Church and sang in its choir. Dick’s car could find local golf courses on autopilot. His family would often visit and enjoy Florida with them.

Dick led an active life with many interests. As a youth, Dick caddied and developed a lifelong passion for golf. He was an avid deer and bird hunter. Stories of the bear that got away and bagging two deer with one shot are still shared in the hunting camp. He enjoyed family travel and camping vacations in the Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and Hawaii with Lois and the kids. He was a lifelong fan of the Packers, Braves, and Badgers. Dick was active in bridge clubs and tournaments and was known as “Mr. 3 No Trump”. He passed on his many interests in life to his family.

In later years, pontoon boating on Beaver Dam and Vermillion Lakes with the family was a summer highlight for everyone. He attended The Dick Ruppel Scramble golf tournament that raises funds for the local course. He loved to paint his house and mow his lawn and never left these chores undone. His sense of humor and love of language twists entertained people throughout his life. Dick spent happy times with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved babies and couldn’t resist holding them!

He is survived by his seven children, Steve (Karen) of Coeur d’Alene, ID; Diane Ruppel-Brion of Fall Creek, WI; Ron (Nancy) and Mark (Terri) of Cumberland; Connie Weathers (Buddy) of Benton, KY; Jackie Nieman of West Bend, WI and Marianne Guilfoyle of Richland Center, WI. He is also survived by his sisters Helen and Patricia, fourteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois and grandson Brent Ruppel.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held for family and friends in the Summer of 2021. Memorials can be sent in Richard’s memory c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church, 743 22 ½ Ave, Cumberland, WI 54829,

Last Update: Nov 10, 2020 5:46 am CST